Four stunning Great Lakes and the historic Erie Canal merge to create one amazing adventure. This journey will capture your imagination, leaving you lost in the peacefulness of this beautiful escape and its ever-changing panoramas.

The Great Lakes, collectively considered the largest body of fresh water on Earth, were carved by retreating ice sheets and filled with the meltwater from ancient glaciers. The indigo-blue waters of the Lakes are cloaked by forest-green pines, with classic lighthouses dotting the rocky cliffs.

Your cruise stretches across Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario; taking you from vibrant Chicago all the way to the New York City.

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Chicago, IL

Welcome to the architecturally renowned Chicago skyline, juxtaposed against Lake Michigan to create a fusion of serene vistas and exciting cityscapes.

Day 2 - Manitowoc, WI

Known as Wisconsin’s Marine Capital, Manitowoc is the home to Wisconsin’s Maritime Museum, which captures the riveting history of the entire great lakes area, including the building of 28 submarines for WWII. Don’t miss out on the Rahr-West Art Museum which hosts pieces from Picasso, Miro, Dali, and many others.

Day 3 - Mackinac Island, MI

Arrive in Mackinac Island and step back in time to enjoy horse-drawn carriages and the island's old-world charm. Admire the architecture during an optional carriage tour of the island, including entrance to the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory and Surrey Hills Antique Carriage Museum with a working Blacksmith shop. Conclude your tour at the Grande Hotel, for a traditional afternoon tea.

Day 4 - Cruise Lake Huron

This morning the vessel departs from Mackinac Island, en route for Wyandotte, MI. Admire the beautiful views of Lake Huron. Cruise past freighters or “Lakers” as they are called by many, while transiting the Detroit and St. Clair River System; a major throughway for vessels traveling between the western and eastern Great Lakes. This river system serves as the border between the U.S. and Canada as it flows through Detroit, under the ambassador bridge, the busiest border crossing in the U.S. and Canada and into Lake Erie.

Day 5 - Wyandotte, MI

Spend a full day in Wyandotte, Michigan, nestled on the Detroit River. An optional tour in nearby Dearborn begins at the Henry Ford Museum, home to President John F. Kennedy’s limousine and the Rosa Parks bus. Continue your tour to Greenfield Village, where nearly 100 historical buildings have been relocated to create a demonstration of American life from the founding of the country through modern times.

Day 6 - Cleveland, OH

Sail through Lake Erie for an introduction to the legendary American city of Cleveland, OH, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Explore this Great Lakes metropolis during an optional panoramic city tour via trolley. Don’t miss the Great Lakes Science Center and educational facility on the shores of Cleveland Harbor, along with the Steamship William G. Mather Maritime Museum.

Day 7 - Buffalo, NY

Located at the head of the Niagara River, Buffalo, NY is known for its sports, snow, and special sauce. Admire breathtaking views of world-famous Niagara Falls during an optional tour, including visits to the Whirlpool Overlook, the Table Rock area, and a boat ride on the Hornblower (passport required). Just steps away from where the vessel is docked, visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, home to 3 naval vessels, tanks, jets and other historical exhibits.

Day 8 - Cruise the Welland Canal

Today, cruise the magnificent Welland Canal, which connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Located in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada, learn how ships travel through the locks of this gravity-flow canal. Transit through 8 locks which will lower the vessel 320 feet as you bypass the Niagara Escarpment and Niagara Falls.

Day 9 - Rochester, NY

This morning explore Rochester, located on the southern shore of beautiful Lake Ontario. It sits at the middle of what has been called the 100 must-see miles of the Erie Canal. An optional tour offers stunning views of towering High Falls on the Genesee River and showcases the city's most notable landmarks.

Day 10 - Oswego, NY

Departing from Oswego harbor, enter Lock #8 of the Oswego Canal. One of 4 branches of the NY State Barge Canal System. Cruise the Oswego Canal and then begin your journey on the Erie Canal.

Day 11 - Sylvan Beach, NY

After dinner this evening, disembark the vessel to explore Sylvan Beach, NY. This quiet town was founded around 1840. Railroads and ferries were the only form of public transportation and made the village a desirable resort community. The Village of Sylvan Beach was incorporated in 1971.

Day 12 - Amsterdam, NY

Cruise along the Erie Canal through historic towns and villages. Today, an optional excursion takes you to picturesque Cooperstown, NY, located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Experience an optional tour to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Farmer’s Museum or Fennimore Art Museum. This evening, enjoy a quiet overnight stop in Amsterdam, NY at Lock #11 along the Erie Canal.

Day 13 - Troy, NY

The highlight of the Erie Canal, enjoy a leisurely sail to Troy, NY. 5 locks will lower the vessel 169’, by passing Cahoes Falls where the Mohawk River flows into the Hudson. Later, watch as the retractable pilot-house is raised back to its full height. Tonight, delight in the local culture during an onboard musical performance.

Day 14 - Kingston, NY

In Kingston, NY, dock in Rondout Creek just off the Hudson River. Included in your cruise is a visit to the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Next, you may join an optional visit to Hyde Park or the Vanderbilt Mansion (based on availability). The Hyde Park excursion includes a visit to “Springwood,” the estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, now home to his presidential library and museum (tour available eastbound only).

Day 15 - West Point, NY*

Travel to West Point, NY, home of the prestigious United States Military Academy, where you may opt to take a tour of its magnificent campus and admire its famed Gothic Revival-style Chapel. *Ability to tour West Point is subject to availability, determined by the U.S. government.

Day 16 - New York, NY

Take in the view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, and the Big Apple’s world-famous skyline. Docked in Chelsea Pier, explore the New York High Line and Chelsea Market. Later join an optional private bus tour of New York City, led by a professional guide.

Dates & Rates

Dates

Direction

Ship

1

2

3

4

Single

Jun 12, 2019

New York, NY to Chicago, IL

Grande Caribe

$5,149

$6,899

$7,209

$7,829

$9,059

Jun 29, 2019

Chicago, IL to New York, NY

Grande Caribe

$5,149

$6,899

$7,209

$7,829

$9,059

Jul 29, 2019

New York, NY to Chicago, IL

Grande Mariner

$5,149

$6,899

$7,209

$7,829

$9,059

Aug 11, 2019

New York, NY to Chicago, IL

Grande Caribe

$5,149

$6,899

$7,209

$7,829

$9,059

Sep 3, 2019

Chicago, IL to New York, NY

Grande Mariner

$5,149

$6,899

$7,209

$7,829

$9,059

Sailings go in both directions, please contact us prior to making further plans.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Port Charges: $295. All itineraries including ports, activities, and routes are subject to change based on availability, weather, river, water levels and sea conditions. Valid passport required for Niagara Falls excursion.

Ships

Grande Caribe

The Grande Caribe carries 88 passengers and hosts new furniture and décor in the lounge, cabins and dining rooms, and sparkling new showers and bathrooms. So whether you find yourself chatting under the glimmering canopy lights of the top deck, or enjoying a lazy morning in your cabin, the Grande Caribe was built with you in mind. View ship details...

Grande Mariner

Commissioned and built by Blount Boats in 1998, the Grande Mariner makes her way up to Montreal, just in time for fall foliage season. She was refurbished in 2010, with totally new cabin configurations including new décor, new washrooms, new furniture in the staterooms, and a renovated lounge, including a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, new décor, and brand new furniture. So if you want to take in a few rays on the sun deck, relax and enjoy the vista-view lounge, or just have a few quiet moments in your cabin as the sea drifts past your open picture window, the Grande Mariner is ready. View ship details...

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